The NFL announced the 26 semifinalists for the 2026 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and three former New England Patriots have made it to the next around.
First up is kicker Adam Vinatieri. Arguably the greatest big-game kicker in the history of football, Vinatieri has two game-winning kicks in the Super Bowl, helping New England defeat the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers to give the franchise its first two Super Bowl rings. He went on to spend the second half of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, finishing his career in 2019 as the NFL's all-time leader in points.
Safety Rodney Harrison is next. The hard-hitting safety began his career with the San Diego Chargers, becoming an All-Pro in 1998. He joined the Patriots in 2003, where he earned his second First-Team All-Pro nod, and was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2004, helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl in both seasons. He retired after the 2008 season.
Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork also made it to the semifinals. Wilfork was a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, and one-time First-Team All-Pro selection from 2007-12. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Many other notable names have made it to the next phase, including Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, and Eli Manning.
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